The Official Blog of Tiger Home Services

Category Archives: Plumbing

As the temperatures drop below freezing it is important to protect your plumbing from the frigid winter weather that comes with living in the Midwest. Freezing pipes are one of the biggest concerns when it comes to your plumbing during the winter months. Frozen pipes can be an expensive headache and it is best to take steps to avoid them.

How to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing:

Steps to Take Before the Cold Hits:

1. If you have pipes that run through attics, crawl spaces or other under heated locations, it is important to ensure that these pipes are well insulated. It is also important to have these pipes inspected regularly, to ensure that the insulation is holding up.

2. Make sure that you have drained all water from hoses, outdoor water supply lines, sprinklers and other outdoor plumbing fixtures.

3. Consider having some of your pipes rerouted. If you do have pipes that are constantly exposed to the frigid winter air, it may be a good idea to have one of our professional plumbers reroute them. By having these pipes rerouted to the interior of your home, you will gain peace of mind each winter that your pipes are safe from freezing. You will also save money in the long run by avoiding expensive water damage and repairs.

Steps To Take After The Cold Hits:

1. Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach your pipes. A frozen pipe in your kitchen or bathroom can be a nightmare to deal with and expensive to fix. When the temperatures dip, open the cabinet doors underneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks so the heat can flow freely.

2. Let your faucets drip. Pipes are less likely to freeze if the water is running. So, when dealing with extremely cold temperatures, turn on both the cold and hot water taps and allow the water to slowly drip out of the faucet.

3. When you are planning on leaving your home for more than a few days, it may be wise to temporarily shut off your water supply and drain all of the water from your pipes. If you are unsure how to complete either of these tasks, simply call (866)844-3770 and a member of our plumbing team will be happy to assist you.

Remember: That if your pipes do freeze or you have another plumbing emergency that we are here for you 24/7. Call us anytime and a real person will answer the phone to assist you with your emergency.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Having to winterize your home may not sound like a fun way to spend your weekend. However, you will be happy that you took the time to winterize and complete these eight tasks when old man winter finally rolls in.

Eight Steps to Winterize Your Home:

Step One: Have Your Heating System Inspected.

-Midwest winters can be brutally cold and the last thing you want to deal with is a broken furnace. Keep your home toasty and comfortable this winter by having your filters, fan/motor, burners, heat exchanger, electrical components, etc. inspected by one of our expert HVAC technicians.

Step Two: Tend to Your Outdoor Faucets and Plumbing.

-Frozen outdoor faucets, busted hoses and valves are a nightmare to deal with and can be expensive to fix. That is why you will want to drain your outdoor faucets and hoses. It is also a good idea to disconnect your hoses if possible. Make sure to close any shutoff valves to your outdoor faucets and switch on the tap, in order to drain the built up water from the pipes.

Step Three: Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors.

-If you have not checked the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, now is the perfect time to do so. Winter comes with an increased number of house fires and cases of carbon monoxide poisoning and you will want to do everything you can to protect your home and family. So, take a few minutes to put fresh batteries in your detectors and check them to ensure they are functioning properly.

Step Four: Seal Up Those Doors and Windows.

-Keep the cold outside and the warm air inside. Make sure that your window and door seals are properly caulked and ready for the harsh winter weather.

Step Five: Have Your Ductwork Cleaned and Inspected.

-Maintaining your ductwork is vital for the health of your home and family during the colder months. Wintertime means that you will be spending more time indoors, so you will want the air in your home to be as safe and clean as possible. Having your ductwork cleaned is a great way to improve yours and your family’s health and quality of living. Additionally, you will want to have your ductwork sealed to prevent warm air from seeping into unheated areas in your home. Well sealed and insulated ductwork can save you a ton of money down the road.

Step Six: Remember That Insulation is Your Friend.

-Making sure that your home has adequate insulation will help save you money and keep your home nice and comfy!

Step Seven: Get Your Winter Equipment Ready.

-Grab your snow shovel and stock up on rock salt now. You do not want to wait until the first heavy snowfall and find that the stores are all sold out! Also, if you have a snow blower or winter weather equipment, now is a great time to dig them out of the garage and make sure they are working properly.

Step Eight: Take Steps to Avoid Losing Power This Winter.

-A power outage during a blizzard is a major hassle and can be dangerous if it lasts long enough. Investing in a whole home generator will ensure that the power will stay on, even when the weather is at its worst. Call us at (866) 844-3770today, to learn more about your generator options.

Have A Safe Winter!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Being a homeowner comes with a lot of responsibilities and tough choices. Unfortunately, some of the decisions you may be making in your home can actually be costing you quite a bit of money. No worries, we are here to help you identify some of the most expensive mistakes made by homeowners and how to correct them.

The Most Expensive Mistakes You Are Making As A Homeowner:

1. Ignoring That Dripping Faucet.

How much damage could a small drip or leak really do? A lot more than you might think! You can waste up to 265 gallons of water per day, depending on how fast the faucet is dripping. This much water waste can really add up on your monthly water bill. Have dripping faucets and other leaks fixed right away to prevent your hard earned money from going down the drain!

2. Allowing Leaky Doors and Windows.

Doorways and windows require regular maintenance to help ensure that you are not wasting extra money on heating and cooling. To save money on your heating bill, it is important to make sure that your doorways and windows are properly sealed and caulked around the edges.

3. You Are Still Using Incandescent Light Bulbs.

Traditional incandescent bulbs require a greater amount of energy than more efficient models. You can see real savings on your power bill each month by switching to LED and energy efficient CFL bulbs.

4. Treating Your Air Filter like an After Thought.

Using the wrong size air filter or forgetting to change it regularly will force your heating and air conditioning system to work much harder, increasing the amount of money you are spending on your power bill. Additionally, failing to properly maintain your air filter will damage your heating and air conditioning system over time, causing costly repairs and shorten the system’s lifespan.

5. Failing to Properly Adjust Your Thermostat.

A benefit of being a homeowner is that you get to control the temperature of your home to fit
your specific comfort desires. However, there is no need for you to be wasting money on keeping your home at the perfect comfortable temperature when you are not there to enjoy it. You can see real savings by simply adjusting your thermostat 10 degrees before leaving for work.

Not to worry if you are not a fan of the idea of coming home to an uncomfortable house or you do not want to have to worry about adjusting your thermostat each morning. Wifi and programmable thermostats are great options if you want the power to control your temperature settings when you are not at home. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of upgrading your thermostat.

6. Your Water Heater Settings Are Higher Than They Should Be.

Traditional water heaters, versus tankless water heaters, store and heat water around the clock. Which means your water heater is almost constantly using energy to keep a large tank of water heated and ready for use. So, if your temperature is set higher than it needs to be, you are wasting money needlessly. We recommend a water heater setting between 110-115 degrees to save you money on your power bill. You may also want to consider upgrading to a tankless water heater to save even more money.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Halloween season is in full swing and today will be loaded with fun and festive activities. The last thing you need is a major plumbing disaster to put a damper on your plans. Keep the good times rolling by avoiding these Halloween plumbing nightmares.

Don’t Let These Halloween Plumbing Disasters Happen to You!

1. Pumpkin goo goes in the trash, not in the sink!

If carving pumpkins are part of your Halloween plans then it is important to be mindful of where you dispose of those pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds and goo will clog your sink and become tangled in your garbage disposal. Choosing to flush your pumpkin goo down your toilet will also land you in the middle of a plumbing nightmare. It is best to simply toss all of your pumpkin parts in the trash, where they cannot do any damage to your plumbing.

2. Put a stop to all of the scary sounds.

Do your pipes make banging, thumping or other strange noises? Have you tried to convince yourself that these haunting sounds are normal or that your house is simply settling? The truth is that when you hear your pipes making these noises it may be a warning sign of something seriously wrong. Your water pressure may be too high or even worse, some of your pipes could be loose! Loose pipes can cause flooding in your home and other issues and you will want to have them fixed right away to avoid a real plumbing nightmare. To find out the cause of those noisy pipes call us at (866) 844-3770 today!

3. Take care of those leaky faucets.

Does the sound of a dripping faucet keep you awake at night? The scariest thing about a leaky faucet is all of the extra money you are wasting on your water bill. Even a small or slow leak will add up. Have your leaky faucet fixed and stop your money from going down the drain.

4. Remember you are not alone.

Finally, keep in mind that if a plumbing nightmare does strike your home, we are here for you. We offer true 24/7 emergency plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical services. So, if the worst should happen this Halloween, simply give us a call at (866) 844-3770 or visit TrustTiger.com.

Happy Halloween!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Bathroom renovations are a great way to upgrade your home and increase its value. To help you get a better understanding of where to start with your bathroom renovations here is a list of some of the best upgrades that will add some real value to your home.

Bathroom Renovations to Increase Your Home’s Value:

1. Upgrade Your Lighting:

Lighting is an important feature in any bathroom. No one wants to bathe, groom or get ready in a dark or poorly lit bathroom. Updating light fixtures can be a relatively affordable first step in your renovation process. Additionally, there are so many design options when it comes to bathroom lighting fixtures and you could really change the whole look and feel of your space.

2. Make it a Double:

If you have the space in your bathroom, consider upgrading your old single vanity to a double. Just think no more morning battles over a single sink, small mirror and a limited counter top. You will love the extra space and if you ever decide to sell your home, potential buyers will love the double vanity.

3. Upgrade to a More Efficient Commode:

A water saving toilet will not only save you money on your water bill, but it will also help increase your home’s value.

4. Change Up Your Fixtures:

Drawer and cabinet handles, electrical fixtures, door knobs and towel racks may seem like an afterthought, but these small details go a long way in the overall appeal of your space. You will be amazed at how different your bathroom looks, simply by upgrading your fixtures.

5. Ventilate:

If your bathroom is lacking an exhaust fan, or yours is severely out of date, it is time to have a new one installed. Exhaust fans do more than simply prevent your mirror from becoming all foggy while you are showering. These fans also perform other valuable functions, like helping to prevent mold growth in your bathroom.

Looking for Help?

Need an Electrician to install your new exhaust fan? Interested in larger bathroom remodeling projects? Wanting a new shower or bathtub installed? Call us at (866) 844-3770 today and ask about our options for bathroom renovations.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Breast Cancer Awareness Month has arrived and once again Tiger Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical Services is supporting awareness efforts. If you live in the St. Louis Metro-East area you’ve undoubtedly seen Tiger’s amazing pink and white trucks (and our orange and black trucks are pretty awesome as well).

These fun pink trucks are designed to help support cancer awareness efforts. A portion of the profits earned from these trucks are donated by Tiger to help support these efforts. Our pink trucks are out on the road every day, earning money for this great cause. Plus, customers can even request to have a pink truck be used when they make a service appointment.

Since it’s October, we here at Tiger have decided to do something a little extra special, to help show our support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to having our pink trucks out and about, working overtime, our technicians have traded in their orange shoe covers for bright pink ones. Our techs are going to be rocking these pink shoe covers all month long!

Do you know the number one reason why people need to call a plumber? A clogged drain! Drain clogs are a major hassle for homeowners and they can lead to more expensive repairs. It is always in your best interest to avoid a clogged drain whenever possible.

Check out these handy tips to avoid a clog drain nightmare!

Never put the following items down your drain. These items can clog pipes and cause sewage backups.

Disposable Diapers

Feminine hygiene products

Grease

Hair

Coffee Grounds

Hot Wax

Paper Products (paper towels, tissues, etc.)

Toothpaste

Food particles

Oil (cooking)

Dirt

Soap

Mineral build-up from hard water

Bathroom Clogs

-Hair is the most common cause of clogs in bathrooms; however, there are other offenders to be on the lookout for!

-Excess toothpaste and soap buildup can also lead to some serious clogs in your bathroom sinks and shower drains.

-Flushing large amounts of toilet paper at one time can cause some serious clogging issues.

-The most often clogged drain is the kitchen sink. Grease, fat, soap build-up, food particles, etc. are some of the most common causes of clogs.

-Overloading your garage disposal can also cause a serious clogs.

-Additionally, avoid putting the following items down your disposal.

potato peels

celery

artichokes

asparagus

lettuce

corn husks

carrots

onion skins

(These items tend to wrap around the disposal blades)

pasta

beans

potatoes

rice

Main Drain Line Clogs

Main drain line clogs are a homeowner’s nightmare. Often caused by tree roots or build-up of debris, these clogs can cause every drain in your home to back up at once. Just imagine that mess! Avoid this hassle by taking advantage of our $69 Drain Clearing Special! This special includes a free camera inspection (a $450 value), so you can be aware of any issues before they turn into an expensive surprise!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Water damage can spell disaster for any homeowner. Clean up and repairs can be expensive and time consuming. The best strategy is to take preventative measures and protect your home from water damage.

Take a peek at these helpful tips to reduce your risk of water damage in your home:

1. Inspect your basement:

Take some time to head down to your basement and have a look around. Check out your walls for any cracks where water may seep in and have them repaired right away.

While you are looking around for cracks, check for signs of existing water damage. See if you notice any leaks or water stains on the walls or floor. You will want to have this damage and its source fixed as soon as possible in order to avoid more costly repairs down the road.

2. Do not over work your water heater:

Traditional water heaters are equipped with large storage tanks. These tanks hold gallons and gallons of water, meaning even a small leak can cause a huge mess in your home. If you are still using a tanked water heater be sure to have a member of our plumbing team out to your home yearly, to inspect your system for signs of damage.

It is also recommended that you replace your water heater every 10 years or so. Since traditional water heaters only have a life expectancy of around 10 to 13 years.

3. Look up:

A leaky roof is a major cause for concern, especially when it comes to your risk of water damage. Be on the lookout for signs of damage to your roof. Loose, curling or worn out shingles are great early warning signs that your home may be at risk.

Additionally, look for cracks or signs of leaking on your ceiling. Even a small leak can lead to some major water damage to your home.

4. Do not ignore your plumbing systems:

All too often plumbing systems get the out of sight, out of mind treatment. However, it is vital to stay up to date with plumbing maintenance. Over time, plumbing fixtures weaken or wear out, which can lead to leaks. Have your plumbing systems inspected annually to avoid unpleasant surprises and periodically check underneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks for signs of leakage.

You will also want to ensure that you have water pans under your appliances that may leak; water heaters, washing machines, air conditioners, etc.

5. Prevent basement flooding:

Life in the Midwest means wild and often unpredictable weather and heavy rainfall is common during the spring and summer months. Large amounts of rainfall can often led to basement flooding, especially if your sump pump cannot keep up. Making yearly maintenance and system checks crucial in your battle against water damage. A simple test you can perform to check the function of your sump pump is to pour five gallons of water in your sump hole. Call us right away if you notice any signs that your sump pump is not functioning properly.

You may also consider having a backup battery added to your sump pump. Having a backup battery system will help ensure that your sump pump keeps working, even if a strong storm knocks out the power.

6. Perform simple maintenance tasks:

Make sure that your plumbing fixtures are properly caulked and sealed. Caulking is a simple task that you can perform periodically to help prevent leaks and water damage.

Do not forget to inspect and caulk around your windows as well. Improperly sealed windows will allow water and moisture to seep in and damage your home.

7. Remember, water damage is not only an inside problem

The foundation and exterior of your home can also be at risk for water damage. Keep your gutters cleaned and make sure that your downspouts are always flowing away from your home’s foundation. Make sure any exterior drains on your property are clear from debris.

When landscaping, make sure that any top soil next to your home slopes down and away. Keep all shrubbery at least 18 inches away from your home. These steps will help keep water from damaging your homes foundation.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Everyone loves having extra money to spend on the things they really want. A handy way to save some extra cash is to cut the costs of your utility bills and saving a little water here and there will go a long way in achieving that goal!

Not sure where to start? We have you covered! Check out this list of simple things you can do to reduce your water usage.

Money Saving Tips:

1. Wash fruits and vegetables in a pan, instead of rinsing them under a running faucet.

2. When you are waiting for your water to heat up, don’t let the cold water go down the drain. Instead let it flow into a pitcher, which you can keep in your fridge and you will have refreshing cold water to drink later!

3. Wait until the sun is setting before watering your garden. Less water will evaporate this way!

4. You can reduce the amount of water used to fill your toilet tank by filling a 1/2 jug with water and placing it inside the reservoir.

5. You can reuse the water from a dehumidifier to water your plants.

6. Have water saving, efficient shower heads and faucets installed.

7. Rinse your clothes with cold water to save more money on your utility bills.

8. Use rain barrels and buckets to collect water for later use.

9. Consider taking shorter showers. You’ll save money and time!

10. Thaw frozen food in the fridge, instead of using hot water.

Keep these tips in mind and you will start seeing these savings add up!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Plumbing issues are often tied to the winter months since frozen pipes are such a major concern. Unfortunately, plumbing problems that can cause expensive repairs can happen during the summer months as well. Be on the lookout for these five most common plumbing issues and avoid a summertime plumbing nightmare.

Summer Plumbing Issues:

1. Damaged Sprinklers:

Embedded sprinkler systems are great and really help you maintain a healthy lawn all season long. However, like anything else, sprinkler systems need to be inspected and maintained in order to ensure they are functioning properly. And of course one of the most common issues with sprinkler systems happens when someone accidentally runs over a sprinkler head with a lawnmower. So be careful when mowing.

2. Broken or Clogged Garbage Disposal:

Cookouts, bonfires and summertime hangouts are a tradition here in the Midwest. And these events would not be the same without a selection of yummy summertime foods! But take caution with what you do with those scraps! Overloading or putting the wrong foods down your garbage disposal can cause some unpleasant plumbing issues. Chicken bones, potato peels/skins, corn husks, banana peels, pasta, celery and other stringy foods should never go in your disposal!

3. Overworking Your Washing Machine:

Summertime means more time spent outdoors and more time outdoors means clothes will get dirtier and you’ll go through more of them (this is especially true if you have small children). So you will undoubtedly need to do more laundry to keep up. An older washing machine may have trouble keeping up and may give out altogether. Take a moment to inspect your machine’s hoses for signs of damage or leaks. And consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model to save you money in the long run.

4. Sewer Line Backups:

Summer weather can be unpredictable in the Midwest; we can go through spots of drought, followed by days of heavy rains and storms. A large amount of rain can wreak havoc on your sewer lines, especially if your pipes have any cracks. If you notice water from your toilet backing up into your shower or bathtub or any other warning signs, call us out right away!

5. Sump Pump Nightmares:

Heavy rains can cause plumbing issues with your sump pump as well. An out of date or poorly maintained sump pump can spell disaster on a rainy summer day. It is important to have your sump pump inspected regularly, in order to prevent major basement flooding.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at: